Metal-free di- and tri-fluoromethylation of alkenes realized by visible-light-induced perylene photoredox catalysis

Regioselective amino-difluoromethylation of aromatic alkenes via C(sp3)–CF2H and C(sp3)–N bond formation with the CC moiety has been achieved in a single operation by visible-light photoredox catalysis. The combination of a shelf-stable and easy-to-handle sulfonium salt, S-difluoromethyl-S-di(p-xylyl)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate, and perylene catalysis is the key to the successful transformation. Furthermore, this noble metal-free protocol allows for the photocatalytic trifluoromethylation of alkenes.